Marian Feasts

Rathgeber has written many compositions for Marian feasts which could indicate that the veneration of Mary, mother of God, was of prime importance for him. He even dedicated a whole volume to Mary. On the following pages you will find different compositions of Rathgeber designed either especially for Marian feasts or for certain feasts.

The actual offertory is of rural style and could be performed with a choir of four voices and organ. Moreover, 2 violins could join in accessorily. The offertory Sancta could be sung especially on feasts for Mary.

The Litany of Loreto I of Opus V is divided in several movements like a cantata. The frame sections are independent movements. The instrumenation with wind instruments and timpani in the tutti passages underlines the solemn character.